A thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel: An attempt for the nasal delivery of dimethyl fumarate.

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a drug that is orally administered for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, DMF causes gastrointestinal side effects and flushing in 43 % of patients, which significantly contributes to treatment discontinuation. To reduce side effects and increase patient compliance, the aim of this study was to develop a thermosensitive chitosan/glycerophosphate hydrogel for the nasal administration of DMF.

Design and development of a chitosan-based nasal powder of dimethyl fumarate-cyclodextrin binary systems aimed at nose-to-brain administration. A stability study.

The nasal administration route has been studied for the delivery of active molecules directed to the Central Nervous System, thanks to the anatomical connection between the nasal cavity and the brain. Dimethyl fumarate is used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, with a role as an immunomodulator towards T- T-cells and a cytoprotector towards neurons and glial cells. Its use in therapy is hindered by its low aqueous solubility, and low stability, due to hydrolysis and sublimation at room temperature.